Iconic Senna Lotus 98T Turbo F1 Car Heads to Auction

This 1986 championship-winning Lotus 98T driven by Ayrton Senna is expected to fetch over $12 million.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 1986 Lotus 98T Formula 1 car driven by the legendary Ayrton Senna is heading to auction at RM Sotheby's. The car, which won the 1986 Spanish and United States Grands Prix, is one of only four competition models built that season and is expected to fetch over $12 million at the sealed auction.

Why it matters

The Lotus 98T represents one of the most iconic and powerful F1 cars of the turbocharged era, driven by one of the sport's all-time greats. Senna's success in this car foreshadowed the dominance he would achieve in the coming years, making it a highly coveted collector's item for Formula 1 enthusiasts.

The details

The 98T was powered by a 1.5-liter Renault V6 turbo engine capable of over 800 horsepower in race trim and over 1,000 hp in qualifying. Senna used the car to win two Grands Prix in 1986 and secure eight pole positions, cementing his reputation as one of the fastest drivers of the era.

  • The 1986 Spanish Grand Prix
  • The 1986 United States Grand Prix

The players

Ayrton Senna

Legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver who raced the Lotus 98T in 1986, winning two Grands Prix and securing eight pole positions.

Lotus 98T

One of the most iconic and powerful Formula 1 cars of the turbocharged era, capable of producing over 1,000 horsepower in qualifying trim.

RM Sotheby's

The auction house handling the sale of the Lotus 98T, which is expected to fetch over $12 million at the sealed auction.

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What they’re saying

“This car checks every single box. Formula One is bigger than ever right now, and the Lotus 98T sits right at the center of the sport's most legendary era, driven by arguably the most celebrated driver we've ever seen. The iconic livery, the insane horsepower, the rarity, the provenance, it all adds up to a true collector's dream.”

— Ethan Gibson, RM Sotheby's (Road & Track)

What’s next

The Lotus 98T will be sold at a sealed auction by RM Sotheby's, with the final sale price expected to exceed $12 million.

The takeaway

The upcoming auction of Ayrton Senna's championship-winning Lotus 98T F1 car highlights the enduring appeal and collectability of iconic vehicles from the sport's most legendary era, driven by its most celebrated drivers.